Preterm Labor @ 19 weeks--Any Experience

I have been reading posts on WTE since I found out I was pregnant in Sept., but never posted anything. I think I have been too scared to become attached to my baby because I am in a high risk category and reading all the stories about miscarriages, etc scared me.

Anyway, I am 19 weeks today and started having contractions 2 days ago at 18.6 weeks. I didn't know that they were contractions at first and summed things up to round ligament pain or even Braxton Hicks. I spoke with my doc in the early am because I was in so much pain and he thought too that it was round ligament pain. Well the next morning after things didn't get better, I called and was told to go to Labor and Delivery.

It was confirmed there that I was indeed contracting (some as close to 1-2 min apart). My cervix was dilated 1cm and I was told 50% effaced. I was treated with meds to stop labor and also placed on mag sulfate when that didn't help.

Things did slow down and now I am home on bedrest to see what will happen. Of course I am scared to death to lose this baby, I feel that I am halfway there and it would be so wrong for things to go south now. Everything shows that the baby looks great. The docs aren't really sure why I went into labor but they thought it was possibly due to fibroids or an infection (they didn't see any type but treated anyway).

Are there any positive stories out there or just people who have been through the same thing? I just really want to know what to expect. I was already a basket case checking toilet paper each time I went to the restroom and now I am freaking at every bit of fluid that I ever feel coming out. My first child was a premie but born only 2 months early so this is still a new experience. Thanks for reading all of this.

BTW, It's a Girl. My EDD is May 13, 2010.

Hi All:

I have been reading posts on WTE since I found out I was pregnant in Sept., but never posted anything. I think I have been too scared to become attached to my baby because I am in a high risk category and reading all the stories about miscarriages, etc scared me.

Anyway, I am 19 weeks today and started having contractions 2 days ago at 18.6 weeks. I didn't know that they were contractions at first and summed things up to round ligament pain or even Braxton Hicks. I spoke with my doc in the early am because I was in so much pain and he thought too that it was round ligament pain. Well the next morning after things didn't get better, I called and was told to go to Labor and Delivery.

It was confirmed there that I was indeed contracting (some as close to 1-2 min apart). My cervix was dilated 1cm and I was told 50% effaced. I was treated with meds to stop labor and also placed on mag sulfate when that didn't help.

Things did slow down and now I am home on bedrest to see what will happen. Of course I am scared to death to lose this baby, I feel that I am halfway there and it would be so wrong for things to go south now. Everything shows that the baby looks great. The docs aren't really sure why I went into labor but they thought it was possibly due to fibroids or an infection (they didn't see any type but treated anyway).

Are there any positive stories out there or just people who have been through the same thing? I just really want to know what to expect. I was already a basket case checking toilet paper each time I went to the restroom and now I am freaking at every bit of fluid that I ever feel coming out. My first child was a premie but born only 2 months early so this is still a new experience. Thanks for reading all of this.

Hang in there!I am not too sure about the cerclage. For me, the less they went 'in' to check me...the better because your cervix can get a little irritated each time. Our hospital..L and D won't even see you unless you are 20 weeks along. If you deliver before 24 weeks, they won't do much for the baby.Check your L and D's procedures. If you can get checked in at 20 weeks and stay there being monitored, that would make a world of difference. Ask about the betamethazone (steroid shots) that help with the baby's lung development. What medicine are you currently on to help with the contractions? Terbutaline, Magnesium, ??Try and get as much pelvic rest as you can. What I did was place pillows under my pelvis so that all pressure was taken off of my pelvis. Don't hold it when you have to go to the bathroom since the bowel, bladder, and uterus are all muscles connected or near each other and that would cause you to contract more.I wish you the best. Just hold on a few more weeks.

Hang in there!I am not too sure about the cerclage. For me, the less they went 'in' to check me...the better because your cervix can get a little irritated each time. Our hospital..L and D won't even see you unless you are 20 weeks along. If you deliver before 24 weeks, they won't do much for the baby.Check your L and D's procedures. If you can get checked in at 20 weeks and stay there being monitored, that would make a world of difference. Ask about the betamethazone (steroid shots) that help with the baby's lung development. What medicine are you currently on to help with the contractions? Terbutaline, Magnesium, ??Try and get as much pelvic rest as you can. What I did was place pillows under my pelvis so that all pressure was taken off of my pelvis. Don't hold it when you have to go to the bathroom since the bowel, bladder, and uterus are all muscles connected or near each other and that would cause you to contract more.I wish you the best. Just hold on a few more weeks.

This is just a suggestion for those of you who have had preterm labor in the past and are now experiencing it again. After I delivered my son at 22 weeks; the perinatologist suggested that I have a cerclage placed at 12 weeks with an subsequent pregnancies. I didn't think too much of it at the time because we were too busy making sure our son would live and then thrive at home, but before we decided to try again we made an appointment and discussed the benefits of having one placed early.

What it comes down to is that the earlier the stitch is placed; the more likely it will prevent preterm labor altogether, They also believe it will provide a much stronger hold if your cervix does start to shorten early because the stitch has had more time to embed itself into your body.

Unfortunately many regular OB's and family practice doctors don't understand or just don't know about the benefits of having them placed so early. Most perinatologist will do it as a standard practice if you've had preterm labor even one time because the benefits far outweight any risks when you're talking about delivering a baby at 22 or even 28 weeks versus close to full term.

I wish you the best of luck in keeping your little ones safe inside for many more weeks! Good Luck!

This is just a suggestion for those of you who have had preterm labor in the past and are now experiencing it again. After I delivered my son at 22 weeks; the perinatologist suggested that I have a cerclage placed at 12 weeks with an subsequent pregnancies. I didn't think too much of it at the time because we were too busy making sure our son would live and then thrive at home, but before we decided to try again we made an appointment and discussed the benefits of having one placed early.

What it comes down to is that the earlier the stitch is placed; the more likely it will prevent preterm labor altogether, They also believe it will provide a much stronger hold if your cervix does start to shorten early because the stitch has had more time to embed itself into your body.

Unfortunately many regular OB's and family practice doctors don't understand or just don't know about the benefits of having them placed so early. Most perinatologist will do it as a standard practice if you've had preterm labor even one time because the benefits far outweight any risks when you're talking about delivering a baby at 22 or even 28 weeks versus close to full term.

I wish you the best of luck in keeping your little ones safe inside for many more weeks! Good Luck!

Hi, thanks so much for the advice and encouraging words. I was given mag sulfate and brethene at the hospital. Right now I am on bedrest and indocin. I don't feel so heavy at the bottom of my tummy like I did before so hopefully just resting is helping. I am praying and hanging in there. My little girl is a fighter so I am hoping that I will go to my due date.

Hi, thanks so much for the advice and encouraging words. I was given mag sulfate and brethene at the hospital. Right now I am on bedrest and indocin. I don't feel so heavy at the bottom of my tummy like I did before so hopefully just resting is helping. I am praying and hanging in there. My little girl is a fighter so I am hoping that I will go to my due date.

I agree! A stitch was considered early on in my pregnancy and that is why they were measuring my cervix. What I was told was that preterm labor and cervical incompetance are similar but still different. With preterm labor your cervix doesn't always open up or shorten early on although it can, you also experience cramps and contractions. With an incompetent cervix you have no pain you have some bleeding or spotting and then just go into labor because your cervix opens up. An incompetent cervix is hard to diagnose and is usually diagnosed after delivering with virtually no sign. Although from what I understand I have a touch of both. They generally do not put in a cerclage unless you have cervical incompetence. With preterm labor they only do it if you have shortening and they cannot do it while you are contracting because the stitch itself can cause contractions and preterm labor.

I know the stitch thing is kind of contoversial and they don't always jump to do it but since my cervix is shortening this pregnancy I want to definately have one early on my next pregnancy. It was all quite confusing to me but I THINK I am understanding it a little better now.

I agree! A stitch was considered early on in my pregnancy and that is why they were measuring my cervix. What I was told was that preterm labor and cervical incompetance are similar but still different. With preterm labor your cervix doesn't always open up or shorten early on although it can, you also experience cramps and contractions. With an incompetent cervix you have no pain you have some bleeding or spotting and then just go into labor because your cervix opens up. An incompetent cervix is hard to diagnose and is usually diagnosed after delivering with virtually no sign. Although from what I understand I have a touch of both. They generally do not put in a cerclage unless you have cervical incompetence. With preterm labor they only do it if you have shortening and they cannot do it while you are contracting because the stitch itself can cause contractions and preterm labor.

I know the stitch thing is kind of contoversial and they don't always jump to do it but since my cervix is shortening this pregnancy I want to definately have one early on my next pregnancy. It was all quite confusing to me but I THINK I am understanding it a little better now.

Lets see I have had issues with preterm labor and tomorrow I will only be at 24 weeks. I had to have a cervixal stich put in due to funneling and shortening of my cervix. I had that done on Christmas Eve morning. I was in hospital for 5 days! Im doing all this on my own with twins due to my husband finishing a tour in Kuwait.

Im on bedrest since the monday after christmas and OMG do you go nutz easy. Its hard to just lay around and not stress but thats the best thing you can do. I am alos on indocine and im sure they are watching your baby's fluid levels. I see a pronatual specialist due to my complacations. I think getting 2nd option is always good have your dr refer you. Some mom's in the clinic I go to have both OB and a specilist. With me they told me OB couldnt do much for me.

I see my dr once a week since I was like 14 weeks and now since last week I have to been 2 times a week. Its hard for the hospital to help if your not at 24 weeks due to your baby not having lungs. They cant form them for the baby. Make a goal to hold that little girl in until after 32 weeks. It helps reduce chance of brain bleeds, eye issues and breathing issues. Stay strong and you can always IM me on here.

Will pray for you and your child. Keeo strong and your head up!

Lets see I have had issues with preterm labor and tomorrow I will only be at 24 weeks. I had to have a cervixal stich put in due to funneling and shortening of my cervix. I had that done on Christmas Eve morning. I was in hospital for 5 days! Im doing all this on my own with twins due to my husband finishing a tour in Kuwait.

Im on bedrest since the monday after christmas and OMG do you go nutz easy. Its hard to just lay around and not stress but thats the best thing you can do. I am alos on indocine and im sure they are watching your baby's fluid levels. I see a pronatual specialist due to my complacations. I think getting 2nd option is always good have your dr refer you. Some mom's in the clinic I go to have both OB and a specilist. With me they told me OB couldnt do much for me.

I see my dr once a week since I was like 14 weeks and now since last week I have to been 2 times a week. Its hard for the hospital to help if your not at 24 weeks due to your baby not having lungs. They cant form them for the baby. Make a goal to hold that little girl in until after 32 weeks. It helps reduce chance of brain bleeds, eye issues and breathing issues. Stay strong and you can always IM me on here.

I know how exactly how you feel. I am currently on bedrest myself. I am 20 weeks and 2 days along. I am currently experiencing preterm labor. My cervix has been getting shorter and shorter everytime I have it checked. I have had it checked once a week since I was 15 weeks along. I have also been getting progesterone shots for about a month now. I experienced preterm labor with my first baby delivering at only 18 weeks. They are watching me really closely this time. Of course you could understand how terrified I am and I understand how terrified you are.

This past week I strted having some cramps and Friday when I went in for my anatomy scan they noticed that my cervix was getting dangerously short and also noticed some funneling. They also thought that my cramps were related to contractions so they put me on meds to stop them. So far so good, my contractions have stopped. If my cervix has shortened more on Monday they are more than likely going to put in a cerclage.

I am really scared too and I am really hoping for the best. I can't help but so worried but I know the best thing for me to do is stay off my feet and stay in bed! I am going to request you as a friend and maybe we can keep up with eachother and help support eachother in this hard time.

I know how exactly how you feel. I am currently on bedrest myself. I am 20 weeks and 2 days along. I am currently experiencing preterm labor. My cervix has been getting shorter and shorter everytime I have it checked. I have had it checked once a week since I was 15 weeks along. I have also been getting progesterone shots for about a month now. I experienced preterm labor with my first baby delivering at only 18 weeks. They are watching me really closely this time. Of course you could understand how terrified I am and I understand how terrified you are.

This past week I strted having some cramps and Friday when I went in for my anatomy scan they noticed that my cervix was getting dangerously short and also noticed some funneling. They also thought that my cramps were related to contractions so they put me on meds to stop them. So far so good, my contractions have stopped. If my cervix has shortened more on Monday they are more than likely going to put in a cerclage.

I am really scared too and I am really hoping for the best. I can't help but so worried but I know the best thing for me to do is stay off my feet and stay in bed! I am going to request you as a friend and maybe we can keep up with eachother and help support eachother in this hard time.

I liked the way my peri described it to me. Her thoughts are that any labor starting before 37 weeks is preterm labor, regardless of the cause and that incompetent cervix is simply the diagnosis they use when they can't identify a cause, like infection or previous surgery for cancer, for the cervix shortening and/or opening. It comes down to the idea that if they don't know why labor is starting too soon; put the stitch in early and it will give you the best chance at going full term. It's too bad most doctors refuse to leave the decision up to the mother about when and if to put one in.

I know that I had one put in with this pregnancy at 12 weeks and have had no complications so far. I have no idea if it's because of the cerclage, but I'm so very thankful to have a doctor who was willing to do one.

Just keep encouraging your little one to stay put for a few more weeks!

I liked the way my peri described it to me. Her thoughts are that any labor starting before 37 weeks is preterm labor, regardless of the cause and that incompetent cervix is simply the diagnosis they use when they can't identify a cause, like infection or previous surgery for cancer, for the cervix shortening and/or opening. It comes down to the idea that if they don't know why labor is starting too soon; put the stitch in early and it will give you the best chance at going full term. It's too bad most doctors refuse to leave the decision up to the mother about when and if to put one in.

I know that I had one put in with this pregnancy at 12 weeks and have had no complications so far. I have no idea if it's because of the cerclage, but I'm so very thankful to have a doctor who was willing to do one.

Just keep encouraging your little one to stay put for a few more weeks!

Baby Center has a very active bedrest club. I was put on bedrest at 20 weeks and now at almost 34 weeks. Had an emergent cerclage at 20 weeks for 1.8 cervix found at scheduled U/S. It sucks but the time does go by.... Had a + fFn at 26 weeks and the shots, and still pregnant. Cerclage comes out 2/16!!!

Baby Center has a very active bedrest club. I was put on bedrest at 20 weeks and now at almost 34 weeks. Had an emergent cerclage at 20 weeks for 1.8 cervix found at scheduled U/S. It sucks but the time does go by.... Had a + fFn at 26 weeks and the shots, and still pregnant. Cerclage comes out 2/16!!!

Yes I definitely understand your worries. I am so scared too. When I left the hospital, I was still feeling a lot of irratibility so I thought the worse was going to happen. However, now I think that God wouldn't have given me a miracle after all this time to just take it away.

So, I am drinking a ton of water and just trying to take it easy. Please add me and we can keep in touch. I can't imagine what I will do in bed for the rest of the time but to see my daughter born will be worth it.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Yes I definitely understand your worries. I am so scared too. When I left the hospital, I was still feeling a lot of irratibility so I thought the worse was going to happen. However, now I think that God wouldn't have given me a miracle after all this time to just take it away.

So, I am drinking a ton of water and just trying to take it easy. Please add me and we can keep in touch. I can't imagine what I will do in bed for the rest of the time but to see my daughter born will be worth it.

I agree and I definately thought about it today when me and my peri talked about it. I saw her today and got to really sit down and talked to her about it. I had never met with this doctor before but I will be seeing her from now on. She left the decision up to me and my husband and explained all the risks to us. We think that since my cervix hasn't had any change since last week (I have been on bedrest) it was reasonable to just wait and see what is going on next week. So many things can happen with a cerclage and like she explained every woman is different and there is no way to know how my body will react and of course there is always the risk of puncturing the water bag. Grrr I wish they were more confident about this procedure cause I would certainly jump into it but being so far along I am not willing to take that risk unless I absolutely have to! It's scary and if I have to then I will but I have the oppurtunity to do it anytime before 24 weeks. Bedrest is the key and that is what we are trying for now. Seems to have worked for the past week.

I'm still a little worried but I think we made the right decision. I could go in next week and my cervix may have gotten shorter so I may have to get the cerclage. She did also say that it is possible it can get longer!! Thats what I am hoping for!

Hey thanks for all your support, it helps talking to someone who has been there too!

I agree and I definately thought about it today when me and my peri talked about it. I saw her today and got to really sit down and talked to her about it. I had never met with this doctor before but I will be seeing her from now on. She left the decision up to me and my husband and explained all the risks to us. We think that since my cervix hasn't had any change since last week (I have been on bedrest) it was reasonable to just wait and see what is going on next week. So many things can happen with a cerclage and like she explained every woman is different and there is no way to know how my body will react and of course there is always the risk of puncturing the water bag. Grrr I wish they were more confident about this procedure cause I would certainly jump into it but being so far along I am not willing to take that risk unless I absolutely have to! It's scary and if I have to then I will but I have the oppurtunity to do it anytime before 24 weeks. Bedrest is the key and that is what we are trying for now. Seems to have worked for the past week.

I'm still a little worried but I think we made the right decision. I could go in next week and my cervix may have gotten shorter so I may have to get the cerclage. She did also say that it is possible it can get longer!! Thats what I am hoping for!

Hey thanks for all your support, it helps talking to someone who has been there too!

I can completely understand where you're at now. I had to make the choice of having one or not with my son when I was 6 cm dialated. One of the reasons we went ahead was because we knew that the hospital we were at would at least try to revive our son if the procedure caused my water to break or caused me to go farther into labor. I can't honestly say that we would have chanced it if the situation was different.

Ultimately, I'm an advocate of following your "mommy" instinct. Only you know what is right for you and your baby.

I can completely understand where you're at now. I had to make the choice of having one or not with my son when I was 6 cm dialated. One of the reasons we went ahead was because we knew that the hospital we were at would at least try to revive our son if the procedure caused my water to break or caused me to go farther into labor. I can't honestly say that we would have chanced it if the situation was different.

Ultimately, I'm an advocate of following your "mommy" instinct. Only you know what is right for you and your baby.

I went into preterm labour at 26 weeks. It was the second time I was put on bed rest during this pregnancy. First time I spotted for six weeks from week 5 to 12.

I'm taking ventolin to control the contractions. So far so good - we'll be 31 weeks on Friday! Listen to what your doctors say, stay well hydrated (apparently preterm women need to drink 2 - 3 litres of water/day), keep off your feet and as my doctor said "no sex, no shopping, no sports." Orgasm can induce contractions, as can too much activity, stress, dehydration...

If you need a friend and someone to chat with, I'm here.

5 weeks down, 6 more to go until the doctor takes me off the meds.

Life, and this pregnancy, are truly blessed.

I went into preterm labour at 26 weeks. It was the second time I was put on bed rest during this pregnancy. First time I spotted for six weeks from week 5 to 12.

I'm taking ventolin to control the contractions. So far so good - we'll be 31 weeks on Friday! Listen to what your doctors say, stay well hydrated (apparently preterm women need to drink 2 - 3 litres of water/day), keep off your feet and as my doctor said "no sex, no shopping, no sports." Orgasm can induce contractions, as can too much activity, stress, dehydration...

I am so happy to hear your story. It helps to hear all the positive outcomes that I can. I think that I am starting to relax a little but I am still scared out of my mind that just when I relax that something will go wrong.

On the other hand, I am trying to stay positive and envision myself going full term and meeting my little girl.

I added you as a friend, I still have to find a good way to type and lie down, lol.

I am so happy to hear your story. It helps to hear all the positive outcomes that I can. I think that I am starting to relax a little but I am still scared out of my mind that just when I relax that something will go wrong.

On the other hand, I am trying to stay positive and envision myself going full term and meeting my little girl.

I added you as a friend, I still have to find a good way to type and lie down, lol.

My son was born at 22 weeks and is now a healthy 3-year-old. They can help save babies this early; you just need to make it a few more weeks to have a chance. It sounds like they're doing everything they can to help you make it through.

I would suggest getting a referral to a perinatologist and asking if they can do a rescue cerclage. I had one done with my son, it only lasted two days, but in my case I was already dialated 6 cm and my water bad was bulging through. Most importantly for my case was that it allowed me enough time to get the steriods on board to help develop my son's lungs. If you're only 1 cm and 50% effaced; I would think you would be a good canidate for having one done and if it buys you a few weeks; then it will give you're little one a fighting chance at survival.

Good Luck!

My son was born at 22 weeks and is now a healthy 3-year-old. They can help save babies this early; you just need to make it a few more weeks to have a chance. It sounds like they're doing everything they can to help you make it through.

I would suggest getting a referral to a perinatologist and asking if they can do a rescue cerclage. I had one done with my son, it only lasted two days, but in my case I was already dialated 6 cm and my water bad was bulging through. Most importantly for my case was that it allowed me enough time to get the steriods on board to help develop my son's lungs. If you're only 1 cm and 50% effaced; I would think you would be a good canidate for having one done and if it buys you a few weeks; then it will give you're little one a fighting chance at survival.

I don't have much advice for you but I wanted you to know your not alone. I am 26 weeks 4 days and they just found out today that it looks like my cervix may be shortening. I have an appointment with a high risk OB tomorrow and they are also doing a fetal fibronectin test first thing in the morning.

I don't have much advice for you but I wanted you to know your not alone. I am 26 weeks 4 days and they just found out today that it looks like my cervix may be shortening. I have an appointment with a high risk OB tomorrow and they are also doing a fetal fibronectin test first thing in the morning.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. My OB was considering a cerclage last week and would decide next week. However, since I am having contractions, he thinks it might do more harm than good because it might make me contract more.

I didn't understand any of this before today but it seems that there are a lot of politics involved with this type of situation. B/C I am 19 weeks, I guess some people thought it wasn't worth going thru the trouble of any rescue efforts. I am so grateful that my doc went to bat for me. I am also praying that it makes the difference.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. My OB was considering a cerclage last week and would decide next week. However, since I am having contractions, he thinks it might do more harm than good because it might make me contract more.

I didn't understand any of this before today but it seems that there are a lot of politics involved with this type of situation. B/C I am 19 weeks, I guess some people thought it wasn't worth going thru the trouble of any rescue efforts. I am so grateful that my doc went to bat for me. I am also praying that it makes the difference.

I saw your post, and I just had to respond. First I will tell you that I delivered my baby in October of 2009, so you can feel some instant relief. Breathe! I've been there, so I know how stressed you feel. I had preterm labor at 22 weeks. I have fibroids as well, and I kept saying that I had this pain which they kept dismissing as round ligament pain. I actually bypassed calling triage and went to labor and delivery so they had to see me. The doctor told me it was the fibroids causing some contractions. But, they weren't contracting at the time. They sent me home, and the very next day, I had regular contractions. I had a two day hospital stay with magnesium as well. Ugh! I hated that stuff. I was placed on bedrest at 22 weeks, and I had to take 1 Niphedipine every 4 hours. I had 2 alarm clocks, one upstairs and one downstairs. I was allowed to go downstairs once a day for a change of scenery. I bought 2 in 1 shampoo to take quicker showers, and we used water bottles and 2 lunch pails with ice packs for food. My husband had to make breakfast and lunch and drop it off in the morning along with a ton of water (I poured the water into a glass and reused the water bottles, or else it would have been too much money). I watched a lot of tv! I remained on bedrest until 36 weeks, and I did it! I did not countdown the days because I would have lost it. I just let the days run into one another. I worked on routnes. I read books at a certain time, watched certain tv shows, ate at a certain time, went downstairs, etc.

I broke through the Niphedipine around 29 or 30 weeks, and I felt the fibroids do the same thing. The next day, the same regular contractions started, and I had another hospital stay with magnesium for 3 days. When we left, they changed the Nipephedipine to 2 pills every 6 hours. We had to go back twice over the next two days with my uterus being irritable. The perinatologist gave me Terbutaline to use as a PRN which I only needed 3 times thank God! I didn't like that stuff either. Well, after all of that, I delivered my baby girl only 3 days before my due date. And, they broke my bag of water in order to do it! SO, my advice to you is mostly try to relax because that is your best defense and you know your body better than anyone. Good luck to you! Also, I found that being on my own message board was helpful. There were a lot of us who ended up on bedrest for preterm labor. Apparently, it is very common. I would recommend if you haven't already join your due date month message board. You can add me as a friend too if you would like.

Hi Elle,

I saw your post, and I just had to respond. First I will tell you that I delivered my baby in October of 2009, so you can feel some instant relief. Breathe! I've been there, so I know how stressed you feel. I had preterm labor at 22 weeks. I have fibroids as well, and I kept saying that I had this pain which they kept dismissing as round ligament pain. I actually bypassed calling triage and went to labor and delivery so they had to see me. The doctor told me it was the fibroids causing some contractions. But, they weren't contracting at the time. They sent me home, and the very next day, I had regular contractions. I had a two day hospital stay with magnesium as well. Ugh! I hated that stuff. I was placed on bedrest at 22 weeks, and I had to take 1 Niphedipine every 4 hours. I had 2 alarm clocks, one upstairs and one downstairs. I was allowed to go downstairs once a day for a change of scenery. I bought 2 in 1 shampoo to take quicker showers, and we used water bottles and 2 lunch pails with ice packs for food. My husband had to make breakfast and lunch and drop it off in the morning along with a ton of water (I poured the water into a glass and reused the water bottles, or else it would have been too much money). I watched a lot of tv! I remained on bedrest until 36 weeks, and I did it! I did not countdown the days because I would have lost it. I just let the days run into one another. I worked on routnes. I read books at a certain time, watched certain tv shows, ate at a certain time, went downstairs, etc.

I broke through the Niphedipine around 29 or 30 weeks, and I felt the fibroids do the same thing. The next day, the same regular contractions started, and I had another hospital stay with magnesium for 3 days. When we left, they changed the Nipephedipine to 2 pills every 6 hours. We had to go back twice over the next two days with my uterus being irritable. The perinatologist gave me Terbutaline to use as a PRN which I only needed 3 times thank God! I didn't like that stuff either. Well, after all of that, I delivered my baby girl only 3 days before my due date. And, they broke my bag of water in order to do it! SO, my advice to you is mostly try to relax because that is your best defense and you know your body better than anyone. Good luck to you! Also, I found that being on my own message board was helpful. There were a lot of us who ended up on bedrest for preterm labor. Apparently, it is very common. I would recommend if you haven't already join your due date month message board. You can add me as a friend too if you would like.

Congratulations and thank you for such a detailed description. It really encourages me and I am sure anyone who will read your message.

I am 22 weeks now, so more than half way there. Still on bedrest and I admit that I go a little stir crazy at times but it is worth it. Thanks for the tips on how to survive bedrest too. I will stay in touch. I still have to figure out a way to type in bed so that it's comfortable. I don't like holding my laptop so when I can I get in a position to type.

Congratulations and thank you for such a detailed description. It really encourages me and I am sure anyone who will read your message.

I am 22 weeks now, so more than half way there. Still on bedrest and I admit that I go a little stir crazy at times but it is worth it. Thanks for the tips on how to survive bedrest too. I will stay in touch. I still have to figure out a way to type in bed so that it's comfortable. I don't like holding my laptop so when I can I get in a position to type.

That is an unfortunate fact about having preterm labor close to the "cut-off" point. Some hospitals won't even attempt to revive a baby born before 26 weeks, which is ridiculous. They're little people and, at least in my opinon, deserve a chance to fight for their lives. Thank God my hospital didn't have that policy. They simply asked my husband and me what efforts we wanted them to take and our little guy proved that he was meant to be in this world.

If it were me in your situation; I would push for a cerclage. There is a possibility of it's placement causing some contractions, however, you're already contracting. I think the benefits far outweigh the risks, but you need to make whatever decision is right for you and your family. I've found over time that following your instincts about what is right and best for your children will usually lead you in the right direction.

I'll keep you and your baby girl in my thoughts.

That is an unfortunate fact about having preterm labor close to the "cut-off" point. Some hospitals won't even attempt to revive a baby born before 26 weeks, which is ridiculous. They're little people and, at least in my opinon, deserve a chance to fight for their lives. Thank God my hospital didn't have that policy. They simply asked my husband and me what efforts we wanted them to take and our little guy proved that he was meant to be in this world.

If it were me in your situation; I would push for a cerclage. There is a possibility of it's placement causing some contractions, however, you're already contracting. I think the benefits far outweigh the risks, but you need to make whatever decision is right for you and your family. I've found over time that following your instincts about what is right and best for your children will usually lead you in the right direction.

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